Freemasonry is the oldest, largest, and best-known fraternal organization in the world. It dates back hundreds of years, is known worldwide and respected by millions. Freemasons played an important role in the founding of the United States. On September 18, 1793 our first President, George Washington, in full Masonic Attire and Ceremony, laid the cornerstone of the United States Capital Building in Washington D.C. In 1851 the Grand Master of the Masons of the District of Columbia presided over a ceremony marking an extension of the Capitol. At this ceremony then President Millard Fillmore wore the same Masonic apron that had been donned by George Washington. On July 4, 1959 President Dwight Eisenhower participated in a Masonic ritual of laying cornerstone for east Front of the Capitol extension.